Why Commanders' Dan Quinn Hired Cowboys Ex Joe Whitt Jr. as Defensive Coordinator

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn spent each of the last four seasons with Joe Whitt Jr. as an assistant.

Whereas Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn went with someone he didn't have any coaching experience with by hiring Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator, that wasn't the case for who he hired as the defensive playcaller. 

Quinn tabbed Joe Whitt Jr. as the Commanders' defensive coordinator after they've spent each of the last four seasons together. Whitt Jr. first joined Quinn in his final season as the head coach in Atlanta as the defensive pass coordinator and secondary coach in 2020. Whitt Jr. followed Quinn after he was hired as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator and was their defensive pass coordinator and secondary coach for the last three seasons. 

Joe Whitt Jr. and Dak Prescott / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With their experience together over the last four seasons, Whitt Jr. earned Quinn's trust and that made him the guy to lead Washington's defense. 

"I had a chance to be shoulder to shoulder with him over the last three years in Dallas, and through that time, I've just seen the detail, the connection, the play style," Quinn said. "And so, to play good defense, you better be a good tackling team, and you better know how to take the ball away. And those are two things, Joe, and the units that he was charged with have been excellent at."

With Whitt Jr. as the defensive pass game coordinator, the Cowboys' defense was one of the best at forcing turnovers, as they led the NFL in turnovers in 2021 and 2022. Dallas' defense was also stout against the pass in the last two seasons, ranking in the top 10 in passing yards allowed.

'It Starts Up Front!' Quinn Reveals Commanders' Strengths

Quinn and Whitt Jr. face a similar turnaround on the defensive side of the ball compared to when they first arrived in Dallas, as its defense was one of the worst in football in 2020. Washington's defense allowed the most points (30.5) and yards (388.9) per game last season.

While expecting as quick of a change to the Commanders' defense may be unrealistic, Whitt Jr. and Quinn have shown an ability to turn a disappointing defense around. If they can get the right pieces and Whitt Jr. can find the same success Quinn had as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator, Washington's defense may look completely different compared to last season.